I have a 1972 165 hp 250 ci straight 6 with a pre alpha out drive. I recently purchased this boat as a project and up to a week ago it ran fine. I hooked uo a water hose and out it in gear to make sure the drive was working fine, it was. Now when I try to start it just cranks and cranks sometimes acting like it wants to fire but never stays running. I noticed when it does momentarily fire water is getting sprayed from the prop like it is in gear. I have tried pushing the button and vice versa. I have tried WOT, and no throttle. None of that seems to make a differnce. i WAS ASSUMING THE carb was in need of rebuilding and i was saving my money to have that done later this week. When i was glancing at other posts I came to realize I may have a nuetral safety switch but If my switch was working woulldnt that completely stop my engine from turning over by disengaging my starter? or would it cause the problem i described? Does any one have any advice or troubleshooting steps I can take. You guys are very knowledgable and I am sure with your help I can at least better isolate the problem. I am not even sure if I have a NSS. Thank you very much!
